Robert Harridge

With deep sadness we announce the passing of Robert (Bob) Harridge. Bob left this world in the early morning hours of November 12, 2024, at his home in Santa Barbara.

Bob was a, loving, caring and husband, father, granddad, and great-granddad. He was smart, inventive, and loved a good discussion about world events or whatever you would like to debate. He loved music and loved to sing and dance.

Bob was the first born to May and Walter Harridge in Acton, England, and grew up in Hayes, England. He had one younger brother, Tony.

He grew up during World War II and had some crazy stories of those times. He would go searching for unexploded bullets take out the gun powder and make little explosives to blow up some of his toys. He also would go and chat with the German POW’s as they were only a few years older than him.

When Bob was about 14 years old he joined the British Junior Air Corp. Bob served in the British Royal Airforce and then the Canadian Airforce (stationed in France and Canada). Bob was an electrician by trade and his job was working on the electrical systems of aircraft.

Bob met Kath at a party when he was 20. They married five years later and would spend the next 70+ years together until her death in April of this year. Bob missed Kath terribly these last few months and he declined in health after her death.

The family immigrated to America in 1965, living in Glendale, CA. Bob worked at the Burbank Airport at this time. Moving to Santa Barbara a few years later, Bob worked for Aerospace Lines, the manufacturer of the Guppy Airplanes (the Mini, the Pregnant, and the Super Guppy). His job was wiring and maintenance of the aircraft and later becoming an Inspector. He travelled all over the world with the Guppies, including Brazil and Ghana, Africa.

Bob’s other passion was animals. He rescued many animals, dogs, cats, birds, rodents. Raccoons and skunks would come by in the evening for their nightly snacks. He was a member of Defenders of Wildlife to help the wolves, and also many other animal welfare groups.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Tony, his wife Kath, and his son Stephen.
Bob is survived by his daughter Melody Robertson (Robert); his son David Harridge (Eydie), four grandchildren Patrick Robertson, Missy Robertson (Doug Caesar), Sabrina Harridge, Mallow Harridge; and two great-grandchildren Grayson and Kira Caesar. Bob is also survived by his sister-in-law; Elsie Harridge, and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank his caregivers over the last few years, especially Maria, who took exceptional care of him and was such a good friend and loved by Bob and Kath. Also VNA – his nurse Denise, volunteer Audrey, and Alex (his Compadre). In addition, our wonderful neighbors Gloria and family, and Shane and Katy.
A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, January 11, 2025. If you are interested in attending, please contact Melody or David.

Robertson.5@verizon.net or dharridge@gmail.com or phone 805-895-4077.

In lieu of flowers, donations to your favorite animal rescue site in his name is appreciated.